“all art tells a story.

And everyone has a story

to tell.”
 

This is the important role of the artist. To be able to tell these stories. ​
 

Ana Carmela Garcia was born in Manila, Philippines and lived there until she was six years old. However, due to the unstable environment of the country, her parents chose to migrate the family to New Zealand where she has lived ever since. As all migrants will know, this kind of experience may only be a short part of a life story, but one that can change everything.

It places one in a very interesting position, between two places, two lives and two selves.

Harnessing this liminal position in life, she is able to draw out and bridge the gap between what is both a personal and universal narrative. By being able to speak from multiple places and points of view, questions are raised around ideas of identity, belonging, family and the home, memory, diaspora and culture.

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As the world progresses forward into the future, so does the movement of people, changing the dynamics of our cities and countries. An even more diverse landscape is created each day as we establish more connections and more relationships. However simultaneously many other connections are severed and some are even lost entirely. For that reason, Garcia sees the importance of creating opportunities for stories like her own and that of people from all backgrounds and life experiences to be able to be shared to the world. Using her work as a channel for reframing, changing and challenging the way we see our societies and the people living around us. 

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Helping those who are silenced to be heard, sharing different lives, cultures, beliefs and dreams.​